Drought Information
Stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect
Mount Werner Water and the City of Steamboat Springs have declared Stage 2 drought conditions under the joint Drought Response Plan following a historically warm winter and record-low snowpack in the Yampa/White/Green River basins.
Stage 2 restrictions include:
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- No vehicle washing at homes
- No washing driveways, sidewalks, parking lots or outdoor dining areas
- No running decorative outdoor water features
- No using treated water for dust control
Additional recommendations:
- Delay turning on irrigation systems until June 1
- Limit outdoor watering to no more than two days per week
- Hand watering is allowed
Outdoor irrigation accounts for about one-third of all treated water use in our area. Conserving now helps protect water supplies later in the season.
On July 22, the City of Steamboat Springs, Mount Werner Water and Steamboat II Metropolitan District implemented a mandatory two day watering schedule. Customers must only water on up to two non-consecutive days each week based on their address. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water on Monday and Thursday, while even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday and Friday.
Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation, and irrigation may not be split between consecutive days, i.e. starting at 11 p.m. and running past midnight.
Mt. Werner Water General Manager Frank Alfone said in a statement that a Stage 3 drought is a “real possibility” later in the year.
Customers who fail to follow mandatory watering restrictions may be subject to fines under municipal code or MWW Rules and Regulations. Water waste can be reported online.